Avalon: Boston's Superclub
by Claudio Gilberg: 05-29-2003
www.ezdreamer.com
Conveniently set in the center of Boston next to Fenway Park is a gem among the rough streets of Massachusetts. Located at 15 Lansdowne Street, a superclub known as “Avalon” makes it home among the heart of music. With a beautiful interior, friendly staff and fantastic light show, Avalon offers the best in music to those who seek out its euphoric confines.
I had a chance to catch up and speak to Avalon management and they were nice enough to respond to a variety of questions. Thanks again to a management team and a great club.
1) Avalon has won the “Most Popular Club in America” at the recent awards in Las Vegas. What do you think stands Avalon apart from the other entrants in the competition?
At Avalon we strive to be have the "best" when it comes to sound, lighting, talent....the whole experience. This dedication to offering the most a nightclub can offer is undeniable to both the first time visitor and the regular patron. Having 5 different clubs that are connected allows us to be able to offer our customers many different choices
2) Do you feel that a large part of you business comes from the college crowd and how important are the local universities to continued success?
Boston is clearly a huge college market. To an extent, the college community is a major portion of Boston's nightclub business. However, many college students still prefer the standard bar setting to that of a superclub. Avalon has always made it a point to appeal to a wide range of patrons. So while, the college students are certainly present, they are never close to the entire spectrum of who comes out on a given night.
3) Do you feel that Boston gets less of the limelight on the East Coast because of the size of New York, DC and their later curfews?
Boston as a whole tends to be slightly overlooked for those exact reasons. However, I think Avalon’s biggest accomplishment is the notoriety and regard it has received despite those perceptions and limitations.
4) How do you feel that the 2am curfew has helped/hindered what Avalon is trying to do in the Boston Scene?
The 2am thing makes it a bit more difficult to do things like give DJ's extended sets, or book multiple DJ's spinning diverse styles throughout one night, and this is unfortunate. However, the relative shortness of the night guarantees maximum crowd energy a DJ's entire performance. Also, the early curfew helps restrict and monitor some of the problems that have recently plagued other East Coast venues.
5) The industry as a whole has seen numerous setbacks, primarily the downturn of the economy and a lack of good parties. How has the year been for Avalon in general?
In a year that has seen the entire industry changing, Avalon has managed to maintain more consistency and energy than many venues. Several of Avalon’s largest events ever have taken place within the timeframe of the past 12 months.
6) Is there a fine line to cross when having a venue which caters to both a “club atmosphere” and a “concert atmosphere”?
For the most part, they exist as two separate entities. Avalon does a great job both seeming like a perfect concert venue during live performances, and a perfect nightclub during the later DJ driven portion of the night. The club was designed to perfectly cater to both audiences.
7) What “large-scale” plans is Avalon planning to unleash on the Boston area in the next few months?
The Avaland Friday’s 5th Anniversary with Carl Cox is coming up, and the anniversary parties are always massive events with lots of surprises in store for the crowd. Also, the Boston club goers can expect a particularly stunning line up during the summer months.
8) I have been to Avalon, and it’s a gorgeous place, what would do you think is the most often heard compliment about the club?
I would have to say it is probably the light show. The combination of the robotic moving trusses and the incredibly powerful laser is definitely an awe-inspiring site when the club is in full swing during peak hours.
9) With regards to the electronic music scene, who do you think are the larger players who are currently from the U.S.?
Many of the former American industry heavy hitters have disappeared or fizzled lately. I think the next wave of pioneers who will push the scene forward are still just beneath the surface.
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